Hoegaarden White (Hoegaarden witbier-biere blanche)
A very traditional Belgian Witbier is what you get with Hoegaarden White. Bews of this type tend to have a good amount of Belgian yeast with oats that add a nice balance and is usually unfiltered and very lite in color.
This one was no exception. Served in a sniffer with a slice of orange, it pours a very nice light golden yellow. It has minimal bubbles and a very minimal head that dissipates quickly with a lacing that does not stick much to the glass. This does not deter one though! It smells of orange peels, spice and definitely wheat. It goes down smooth and you can almost taste a hint of barley.
This one is a very good example of a Belgian Wit beer and weighs in at around 4.9 ABV. It is great summer beer or for any region with great sunny and cool weather. Usually pairs very nice with many European cheeses such as brie and with fish or chicken.
Brasserie Dupont’s Saison Dupont
This one is a medium yellow and pours a minimal head as well, but the lacing sticks to the glass better than the Hoegaarden. Saison bills it as a ‘Farmhouse Ale’ whatever that means. What is interesting is that they brew it during the winter and release it for consumption in the winter!
It smells of citrus, herbs and a slight hoppiness to it, perfect for the summer, even those here in Texas! It definitely has a typical Belgian yeast taste to it with definite spice, hops and a wonderful orange/lemon taste.
Very nice on the pallet and weighs in at around 6.5% ABV. Pairs well with poultry, cheeses, or the lite fare of your choosing. Makes you feel like running down the slopes of the Alps!
